As I’m writing this page, the eastern half of the US is wrapping up watching 24: Live Another Day.

Five years ago, I was watching 24 like you were and I had an idea during a season premiere episode: what if Jack Bauer had a Twitter account?

Now I'll see you guys at 10:00:01. Being frozen in time is a major bummer. #24

— Jack Bauer (@real_jackbauer) January 12, 2009

With that tweet, I started something that was part improv, part performance art, part nothing but just messing around. I’m not sure, but I think it was one of the first “in character” Twitter accounts for a TV show.

You're welcome, America.

— Jack Bauer (@real_jackbauer) May 2, 2011

Now, a couple of full seasons and a “television event” later, “Real” Jack Bauer has been followed by almost 7,000 people, replied to by the official Fox 24 Twitter account a few times, and (hopefully) enjoyed by many.

It's time for me to rip your heart out with a goodbye message. #24

— Jack Bauer (@real_jackbauer) May 25, 2010

I didn’t think for a moment when I started that I’d still be doing it now, or that I would have not touched it for so long while we waited for Live Another Day to happen.

Guns up; let's do this. #24

— Jack Bauer (@real_jackbauer) March 31, 2009

Earlier, I pushed out my last in-character tweet, at least for a while:

I REGRET NOTHING

— Jack Bauer (@real_jackbauer) July 15, 2014

So tonight, is this it for 24? I don’t know, with that kind of cliffhanger like you saw. (Also, 24 producers: that was kind of mean.) If there’s ever a movie, I can’t exactly do the Twitter thing this way. If something else TV happens, I’ll do everything I can to be right there with you, inevitable Russian torture of Jack and everything.

I just thought I would let you know that yes, this was something someone was doing for fun, and yes, I’m super-thankful that you were along for the ride. I hope you had as much fun following as I had tweeting and trying to be clever about it.

If you feel that you’d like to give a little “thank you,” I do fundraising for Children’s Miracle Network. Some sick kids would totally appreciate your donation to St. Louis-area children’s hospitals. You can donate to that cause here and all proceeds go to benefit the hospitals. If you just want to send me a “thank you,” you can leave a comment below or send me an email here. No matter what, I hope at some point I’ll be watching 24 with you in the future.

Have a great night.